Payton Bates '24 Recruiting Profile

My name is Payton Bates, I’m 18 years old and have been playing soccer since I was five years old. I am currently a senior at Ola High School and my desire is to continue playing soccer at the collegiate level. Ever since I was younger, soccer has been a big passion of mine. Determination, effort, and hard work is what I push myself to do every game and practice.

I started playing club soccer at Henry County Soccer Association when I was nine, up until the age of 13. As soccer was becoming more serious for me, and I needed more of a challenge, I switched clubs to AFC Lightning based out of Peachtree City, Georgia. My team has played in the National Premier League and recently switched into the Georgia Academy League.  Luckily, I am on a team where we are all supportive of each other, push each other, and work together to achieve success.

As a player, I am able to create multiple opportunities for my teammates as an outside back or wing. I work well combining with wings and forwards to work the ball up the field. I am quick with working with the rest of the backline, including the goalkeeper. I know when it is necessary to work back and not force the ball up the field. Working with others on a team is something I love to do. I am quick when it comes to helping others on a team or trying to explain an activity or drill. Not only as a player, but as a person, I am coachable and I strive to do things until I get them right. I critique myself often to make sure I am meeting the set expectations. 

In school, I work diligently to keep my 4.0 GPA and take many honors and AP level courses. I am involved in National Honors Society and FFA. I have held an officer position in FFA since 2021. I also serve as a student athlete on the school athletic council. Being involved in clubs and societies in school is important to me. I enjoy collaborating with others and  finding ways to improve myself and promote school involvement. 

For college, I plan to attend a school that will not only challenge me in athletics, but academics as well. With this being said, I commit to work at the highest level possible in the classroom and on the field.  I want to have a positive impact on the school I choose to attend. I desire to be successful and achieve great success as a student athlete and a person overall.